Today’s Message: Conquering Anxiety
Join us for an uplifting Sunday worship experience at 10 am. You can participate in-person, on YouTube, or on Facebook.
Our message today is “Conquering Anxiety!” Have you sensed that people seem to have more anxiety? Maybe you struggle with anxiety or have people you love who do? In this message, Pastor Phil shares six Biblical principles on how to conquer anxiety.
September Verse of the Month
But (Jesus) said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:9–10, ESV
Kickoff Sunday on September 12
Sunday, September 12 is Kickoff Sunday. We will celebrate the beginning of the new school year, share the blessing of the backpacks, and enjoy an outdoor church picnic. Come join us for this celebration and make sure to wear the jersey or colors of your favorite team.
Our Sunday morning schedule for the Fall will remain the same as our schedule during last school year. Sunday School will begin at 9 am and worship will begin at 10 am.
Sunday School Begins September 19
Register Your Children!
It is time to start thinking about the new school year. Sunday School will begin on Sunday, September 19 and registration is now available. Also, mark your calendar for Sunday, September 12 at 10am for our kickoff celebration, Blessing of the Backpacks, and church picnic.
Volunteer to Serve
Serving as a Sunday School Teacher or Helper is a great way to serve and to make a difference. Send Audrey, our Sunday School Superintendent, an email at audrey@gs4nj.org if you are interested in serving! There will be a volunteer meeting today following worship for all our volunteers.
Men’s Bible Study
Men’s Bible Study will resume on Sunday, September 19 starting at 8:30am. We are still working on developing the topic and will share when that has been chosen. The study will meet in the church conference room and via zoom.
COVID & MASK UPDATE
Based on recent guidance provided by the CDC and recommendations from the State of New Jersey, Good Shepherd encourages (but does not require) you to wear a mask. If you choose not to wear a mask, we ask that you would limit your contact with other people.
We will NOT be inviting people to come forward to receive communion. Everyone will receive communion from their chair.
Did You Know?: Good Shepherd’s Mission Giving
Good Shepherd practices tithing with the offerings we receive. What this means is that 10% of our offerings are designated to missions and ministries beyond our congregation. Currently, these offerings are designated:
- 7% – NJ District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
- 1% – Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
- 1% – Lutheran Church Charities (parent ministry of the Comfort Dog Ministry)
- 1% – Undesignated (these are funds that are held until we determine a worthy designation. Recently these funds were used to help Gary and Sue Kessler reach their fundraising goal to serve as volunteer missionaries in Belieze. Learn more about Gary and Sue’s ministry below).
Some of you know Gary who helped us coordinate one of our mission trips to Haiti several years ago. Gary and his wife, Sue, have been called to serve as short-term LCMS volunteer missionaries in Belize for six months. This is an interview from last Sunday’s worship with Gary and Sue as they share about their anticipated work and how we as a church can help support them. They have a website you can visit to learn more at https://www.cwowusa.org/belize
Voter’s Meeting October 17
Our next Voters’ Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, October 17 following worship. The purpose of this meeting will be the approval of the church budget and the election for members of the Admin Board. You can submit nominations for Admin Board to office@gs4nj.org.
Ways to Financially Support Good Shepherd
Online Giving
Visit gs4nj.org/give to donate. You can donate with a credit card or have the funds debited from your checking account. You can also set up automated giving set up on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or twice-monthly basis.
Another option to give is text to give. Text any dollar amount to 84321. We will reply with a link to a quick, self-guided setup process to tie your mobile phone to our church, your donor account, and a payment source.
All of this is easily managed through an online account that is set up the first time you give. There is also an app that can be used to manage your giving. It is available on iOS and Android.
As always checks can also be mailed. Visit our contact page for our mailing address.
Amazon Smile
If you already shop at Amazon, it is easy to support our ministry. Instead of going to amazon.com to shop, just add “smile.” before amazon.com. So the link will be smile.amazon.com. Any time you make a purchase at this link 0.5% of your purchase will go to the charity of your choice. It may not be much, but it adds up over time and as more of us make use of this service. Please keep in mind that you need to use the smile link every time you make a purchase. If you go back to using the regular Amazon link or use the Amazon app, we will not get a donation with those purchases.
Shop with Scrip
Scrip gift cards are available immediately following the Sunday worship in the Narthex. There are many cards to chose from and specific gift cards if you want. Be sure to ask what other cards are available. There are hundreds to choose from. We are grateful for all who have purchased these cards in support of our ministry. Be sure to stop and pick up a few cards.
Bible Reading Plan
Join us in reading the Bible in 2021. There is nothing more you can do the enhance your Spiritual Growth than to read the Bible on your own. Set a goal to read through the Scriptures for the purpose of connecting with God each day.
